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NEW PROGRAM: Family Storytime
A NEW storytime designed for families who have children of various ages who need or would like to have one storytime that all the children could attend together. Further details about this new program are listed below.
Winter/Spring Programs
We are pleased to present the following programs for children aged six months to fourteen years, their parents, and other caregivers. These programs are intended to support the Library mission of providing information, both educational and recreational, in pursuit of life-long learning.
Registration
Preference is given to Oak Lawn residents and students. Residents of other communities will be placed on a waiting list until it can be determined whether they can be accommodated. Each child's library card must be presented at the time of registration. Programs will be presented in the Youth Services Department unless otherwise noted.
Advance registration is required. Registration must be made in person. Children must be the designated age by the first session. Children who have two unexcused absences may be dropped from a program to accommodate those on a waiting list.
STORYTIMES!
Storytimes are presented on a regular basis to introduce children to literature through picture books, storytelling, fingerplays, songs, poetry, puppetry, and flannel boards. Youth Services Librarians plan these sessions to provide a social environment that will encourage participation in group activities, well disciplined behavior, and respect for others. Children may be registered for only one storytime program per series.
BABY BUSINESS
This program offers a first-time group experience in the library for babies aged 6 to 23 months and their caregivers. Stories, fingerplays, songs, rhymes, and puppetry introduce rhythm and language to the young child. Interaction with their caregiver and with children of the same age is an important aspect of the program.
One adult must accompany each child. Other arrangements should be made for older and younger children. The child must be six months old, but not yet two, by the first session. Enrollment is limited to 12 adult/child teams.
Winter
Registration begins Saturday, January 2 and continues thru January 17 or until full. One series listed below may be selected.
Tuesdays January 19 to February 23 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Fridays January 22 to February 26 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Spring
Registration begins Saturday, February 27 and continues thru March 14 or until full. One series listed below may be selected.
Tuesdays March 16 to April 20 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Fridays March 19 to April 23 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.
TODDLER TIME
This program offers a group experience in the library for toddlers and their adult caregivers as well as children up to 3 ½ years old who are not ready to attend Preschool Storytime by themselves. Stories in books, songs, games, fingerplays, flannel boards, and puppets introduce literature to the young child through interaction with the adult and other children of the same age.
Each series lasts six weeks. One adult must accompany each child, and other arrangements should be made for older or younger children. The child must be two years old and no older than 3 ½ by the first session. There is a limit of 12 adult/child teams per series.
Winter
Registration begins Saturday, January 2 and continues thru January 17 or until full. One series listed below may be selected.
Tuesdays January 19 to February 23 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Fridays January 22 to February 26 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Spring
Registration begins Saturday, February 27 and continues thru March 14 or until full. One series listed below may be selected.
Tuesdays March 16 to April 20 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Fridays March 19 to April 23 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
FAMILY STORYTIME
This is a NEW storytime designed for families who have children of various ages who need or would like to have one storytime that all the children could attend together.
Stories in books, songs, fingerplays, and other activities will be presented for the enjoyment of caregivers and children from 6 months to seven years of age.
Winter
Registration begins Saturday, January 2 and continues thru January 17 or until full. Each series is limited to 10 families.
Mondays January 18 to February 22 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Spring
Registration begins Saturday, February 27 and continues thru March 14 or until full. Each series is limited to 10 families.
Mondays March 15 to April 19 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
These storytimes are designed for children who are ready for a social activity on their own for a short period of time. By the age of three, the child is usually able to sit quietly and listen to a brief story and to engage in simple group activities with other children. These sessions will introduce children to new stories and activities, which may be reinforced at home through books, puzzles, recordings, and kits checked out of the library.
Children aged three to five, not yet enrolled in kindergarten, may be registered for these series, which will meet every week for a total of six sessions. Children must be three years old by the first session.
Winter
Registration begins Saturday, January 2 and continues thru January 17 or until full. Each series is limited to 25 children. One series listed below may be selected.
Mondays January 18 to February 22 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Tuesdays January 19 to February 23 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Spring
Registration begins Saturday, February 27 and continues thru March 14 or until full. Each series is limited to 25 children. One series listed below may be selected.
Mondays March 15 to April 19 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Tuesdays March 16 to April 20 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
AFTERSCHOOL STORYTIME
Storytelling, read-alouds, songs, and games are included in this series for students in kindergarten through second grade. Children in this age group are most receptive to literary experiences as this is their peak learning period in reading readiness. With so many other activities in a child's life, story time at the library offers an "oasis" of quiet enrichment that may continue for a lifetime. Six sessions meeting every week will be conducted.
Winter
Registration begins Saturday, January 2 and continues thru January 17 or until full. Enrollment is limited to 30 children.
Wednesdays January 20 to February 24 4:00 to 4:45 p.m.
Spring
Registration begins Saturday, February 27 and continues thru March 14 or until full. Enrollment is limited to 30 children.
Wednesdays March 17 to April 21 4:00 to 4:45 p.m.
SATURDAY DROP-IN STORYTIME
The Youth Services Department offers this program for busy, on-the-go families. On the first Saturday of each month, one of the Youth Services Librarians will offer a half-hour program of stories, songs, action rhymes and more for children aged 3 to 8. No registration is required for this program -- just come to the Youth Services Program Room and join the fun! Parents are welcome to join their children for this storytime. Parents who do not attend the storytime are reminded to stay in the library.
Saturday January 2 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday February 6 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday March 6 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday April 3 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday May 1 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
REGULAR PROGRAMS
READ to ROVER
Children ages 7 and older can practice reading aloud to a furry, nonjudgmental audience. Sign up for a 15-minute time slot from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on four Saturdays; children sign up for each month separately. Time will be made available for special needs children. Dogs are provided by Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy of Chicago. Registration is required for this program.
Saturday January 16 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday February 13 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday March 27 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday April 24 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
EXPLORING NATURE
Students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade are invited to join Emily Kenny of Multidisciplinary Education for the Environment (ME4E) as she leads monthly scientific explorations including fun activities. Each month’s activity is registered for separately and limited to 30 participants.
Learn how to spot constellations from your own backyard! You will hear creation stories from several different cultures, make a pinhole constellation and learn how to be a citizen scientist for GLOBE at Night. Please bring a flashlight!
Thursday January 21 Just Look Up! 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Find out who has been visiting your home by the signs they leave behind. Make a plaster cast of a wild neighbor’s track and play a unique bingo game while it dries. If snow or mud is present outside we will look for actual critter footprints so dress appropriately. Don’t miss out on discovering more about scat, tracks and more.
Thursday February 25 Who Was Here? 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Celebrate the first day of Spring a few days early as a citizen scientist. We will be looking for buds, listening for frogs, searching for worms and more! Please dress for going outside. A list of family-friendly projects will be available too.
Thursday March 18 I Spy Springtime 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
It's Earth Day, so let’s go green! Play a recycling relay game, create a magalope and earn a Planet Pal certificate. Hopefully the weather will cooperate so we can take this party outside. We'll even challenge your brain to an earth-friendly trivia contest during this special program.
Thursday April 22 4R’s Celebration 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
TRADING CARD GAME CLUB
Students in grades 3 and up who have trading cards and would like to play with others are invited to a monthly game program. Participants will bring their cards and play among themselves, with staff on hand to supervise. Pre-registration is not required for this program.
Thursday January 14 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday February 11 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday March 11 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday April 8 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
COOKING for KIDS
Students in grades 3 to 5 are invited to join professional Chef Eileen Turner and her cooking partner Jackie Stover to explore interesting and fun aspects of cooking. Each month, a new, exciting dish will be created. Participants will take home their creations. Register for each month separately. Each program is limited to 30 participants. A non-refundable fee of $5.00 will be charged at registration for each month’s program.
Tuesday January 19 Winter Pleasures 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 16 Love is in the Air 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 16 Traditions of Ireland 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 20 The Flavors of Spring 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
THE WRITE STUFF!
Young writers in grades 3 to 5 meet to try simple creative writing projects. Each session is self-contained – there is no homework and no ongoing projects (unless you are inspired). Register for each month separately. Registration is required. Limit 20 participants.
January 26 Games Writers Play - Fun games to spark your creativity 4 to 5 p.m.
February 23 Once Upon a… What? - Write your own twisted fairy tale 4 to 5 p.m.
March 23 Painless Poetry - Even if you can’t make a rhyme, this one will make
for a thrilling time 4 to 5 p.m.
April 27 Draw Me a Picture - Using cartoons to talk about making stories 4 to 5 p.m.
The 39 CLUES
Will you accept the challenge of The 39 Clues? Based on the popular series, this program invites students in grades 4 to 6 to search for clues about famous people, famous places, inventions, and more. Like characters in the books, you can play alone, or join with friends. (You don’t have to read the books to play, but why miss out?) Registration is required. Each month is registered for separately and is limited to 30 participants.
Thursday March 4 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday April 1 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
CHESS CLUB
Come to the library and play chess with others! Instructions will be provided. Beginners as well as experienced players are welcome. Bring your own chess set and clock if you have one. This program is for children in third to 10th grade. Registration is required and is limited to 36 participants.
Winter
Registration begins Saturday, January 2 and continues thru January 17 or until full.
Wednesdays January 20 to February 24 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Spring
Registration begins Saturday, February 27 and continues thru March 14 or until full.
Wednesdays March 17 to April 21 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
MONTHLY CONTEST
Enter our monthly contest and you may be eligible to win a prize! A new contest will be offered each month. Kids in preschool through grade 8 are eligible to enter. See the Youth Services Desk for further information.
January: How Many Clocks
February: President’s Day Quiz
March: How Many Clovers
April: Spring Quiz
May: Coloring Contest
MONTHLY DROP-IN CRAFTS
A new holiday drop-in craft will be available each month. Each craft will be available for the entire month. Supplies will be available at the Youth Services Desk.
January: Chinese New Year
February: Valentine’s Day
March: St. Patrick’s Day
April: Earth Day
May Cinco de Mayo
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
READ to SUCCEED: CHICAGO WOLVES
The Youth Services Department, along with the Chicago Wolves hockey team, is offering a reading incentive program for readers through eighth grade. Registration begins Saturday, January 2. Participants are asked to read three library books between January 2 and January 31 to receive a prize. One prize will be awarded per child.
CHICAGO WOLVES HOCKEY PLAYER to APPEAR
On Tuesday, February 2 at 4:00 p.m. Andrew Kozek, number 26, a Left Wing on the Chicago Wolves hockey team, will make an appearance at the Oak Lawn Public Library. Andrew will give a short presentation about ice hockey and the Wolves. He will then answer questions, sign autographs, and dress an audience member in hockey gear. The program is scheduled to last approximately 45 minutes. Registration is not required.
DOLL & TOY DRAWINGS
We have received a generous donation of collectible Barbie dolls and wooden toys. The donor would like to see these items given to and played with by children. Therefore, we will be having a monthly drawing for one of the dolls or toys. Kids in preschool through grade 8 are eligible to enter. See the Youth Services Desk for further information.
FAMILY WINTER BINGO
On Saturday, February 20, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. get out of the cold and warm yourselves up with a fun game of Bingo! Kids, bring your caregivers (and the rest of the family too!) for an hour of Bingo, crafts and snacks. All ages are welcome. A parent or caregiver must accompany children under age 8. Registration is NOT required.
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE PARTY
Mmmm! Strawberry Shortcake, Blueberry Muffin, Lemon Meringue! No, they aren’t desserts to eat; it’s a party all about Strawberry Shortcake and her friends! Even the Purple Pieman will play a part. Participants ages 2 to 7 years old and a care giver are invited to meet Strawberry Shortcake and have a berry fun time creating crafts, playing games and eating a yummy snack! Choose one of the times below on March 20 to attend. Registration is NOT required for this program.
Saturday, March 20, 11:00 a.m. to noon OR 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Curious? Read! Program
Curious young children, ages 2 to 7 years old, can improve their literacy skills by reading with their parents in our “Curious? Read!” program. We’ll give you the resources to share in the fun and track your progress. All children who complete the program will receive small prizes. Registration for this program begins April 1.
Thursday, April 1 through Saturday, May 1.
MOVIES at the LIBRARY
Join us for fun family films during school holidays. All movies will be held in our lower level meeting rooms from 2 to 4 p.m. No registration is required.
Monday, January 18 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (PG, 2009) 90 minutes
Inventor Flint Lockwood creates a machine that turns water into food. Now his city’s weather is made of things like pizza, pancakes, and, of course, meatballs. (Based on the book by Judi and Ron Barrett.)
Monday, February 15 Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (PG, 2009) 105 minutes
Former security guard Larry Daley heads to the Smithsonian to rescue museum exhibits come-to-life from an evil Pharaoh.
Monday, March 22 Walt Disney’s Alice in Wonderland (G, 1951) 75 minutes
Alice follows the White Rabbit into Wonderland, where she meets many odd characters, from the Mad Hatter to the Queen of Hearts. (Based on the book by Lewis Carroll.)
Monday, April 5 E. T. the Extraterrestrial (PG, 1982) 115 minutes
A young boy discovers a stranded alien and must help him find his way home.
Saturday, May 1 Sing-Along The Wizard of Oz (G, 1939) 101 minutes
There’s no place like the Library when we head “Over the Rainbow” with Dorothy on her adventures through Oz. Come sing along with all the songs in this interactive movie experience. (Based on the book by L. Frank Baum.)
FAMILY WEEKEND PROGRAMS
A series of programs is being offered for families on Saturday or Sunday afternoons. The content of these programs varies. Please observe the age ranges for each program. Tickets are NOT required for these programs.
Big Run Wolf Ranch
Sunday, January 31
3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Ages 5 and up
Big Run Wolf Ranch is a non-profit, federally licensed educational program which specializes in education and conservation of North American wildlife. John Basile, president of Big Run Wolf Ranch will present an informative program with a sampling of his ranch residents: a wolf, a coyote, a woodchuck and a skunk.
Northern Illinois LEGO® Train Club
Saturday, February 27, 9:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 28, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
All Ages
The Northern Illinois LEGO® Train Club will be bringing their huge LEGO® train
display to the Oak Lawn Public Library February 27th & 28th! Watch LEGO® trains zoom through cities and villages, past creations from popular movies like Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and Harry Potter all made out of LEGO®!!! Family fun for all. Don’t miss it!
Earth Day Celebration
Dreamtree Shakers
Sunday, April 18
3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
All Ages
As part of our library-wide Earth Day celebration, come hear the Dreamtree Shakers, a Chicago-based band playing original music geared toward kids of all ages. Drawing upon the talents of a rotating cast of musicians on a variety of instruments, the group will twist and shake like leaves and trees as they sing and play original songs full of the stories of the forest.
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9427 South Raymond Avenue. Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Phone: 708-422-4990
Monday - Thursday: 9am -9pm | Friday & Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 1pm - 5pm (mid-September through mid-May)
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